Press Release
Fla. Museum announces spring exhibits, events, classes
Jan. 31, 2008
Contact:
Paul Ramey, APR
Assistant Director, Marketing and Public Relations
Florida Museum of Natural History
(352) 273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu
PHOTOS AVAILABLE
Exhibits
"Inside Africa" - Sat., March 15 - Sept. 7
Inside Africa transports museum-goers to the African experience, allowing them to discover firsthand the vitality, richness and
significance of Africa and its peoples. Based on a permanent exhibition at the Field Museum in Chicago, the exhibit explores
the enormous diversity of African geography, societies and political systems, and also provides a bridge to contemporary
American life. Visitors journey to selected sites on the African continent and learn about topics such as "Family and Festivals,"
"Science Safari," "Commerce," "Caravan," and "The Diaspora and Slavery." The exhibit also examines the concept of "Freedom"
in its many forms, from the perspective of many voices. Enjoy hands-on activities, multimedia presentations and a wide range of
African artifacts that bring the story to life. $6.50 adults $5.50 Fla. residents, seniors & students $4 ages 3-12 Museum
members FREE!
"Florida's Vanishing Habitats and Wildlife" - through March 30
Photographs in this exhibit highlight landscapes and wildlife of three Florida ecosystems - coastal zones, freshwater wetlands
and upland habitats. The images are part of photographer Ken Sourbeer's ongoing project to document these increasingly
threatened wild places. Many of the plants and animals shown are recognized as "threatened" or "endangered" on official
government lists.
"Namibia -The Smile of Africa" - April 3 - Aug. 3
This collection of work in the Galleria by artist Mary Jane Volkmann depicts life in Namibia among its native peoples. Inspired
by 28 years living and working in Namibia, Volkmann's exhibit includes original paintings, a collection of prints and various
issues of her work used as postage stamps.
"Charles R. Knight: Studies of Lost Worlds" - through January 2009
Seven study paintings by Charles R. Knight, the first and the most renowned "paleo-artist" of all time, are currently on display
in the Hall of Florida Fossils. Knight's murals depicting ancient life grace the halls of America's greatest natural history museums.
The paintings include many animals that once lived in Florida.
"Butterflies and Moths in Contemporary Zuni Art" - through Dec. 31
This exhibit highlights the role of butterflies in the belief system and art of contemporary Zuni people, Native Americans who live
in the high desert of the American southwest. Many Zuni traditional arts feature butterflies and moths, and this tradition continues
today in their fine arts, crafts and tourist art forms. Pieces in the exhibit include jewelry, paintings, small carvings and various
selections of pottery.
Discovery Room Activity Area - through Dec. 31
The Discovery Room is one of the Florida Museum's most popular areas, providing ongoing, interactive family activities daily.
Hours are noon - 4:30 p.m. Monday -Friday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 - 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Visitors may explore a coral reef, create animals from Florida's diverse ecosystems in self-guided discovery stations or complete an arts and craft or coloring project. Scheduled programs through June 22 include Dr. Discovery's child-friendly presentation 3 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month; natural history-related EcoArt 10 a.m. - noon Saturdays and 1 - 3 p.m. Sundays; and various activities chosen by the Museum staff 3 p.m. Saturdays.
Events
"Inside Africa" Public Opening - Sat., March 15, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Explore the amazing culture and beauty of Africa during this fun-filled day! Be among the first to enjoy Inside Africa. Learn how
this diverse continent has helped shape modern music and dance with presentations from local schools. Create Africa-inspired
art and crafts or test your geography skills and knowledge of the continent with games and other activities.
Earth Day - Sat., April 19, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Enjoy live dance performances, games and eco-friendly craft activities hosted at the Florida Museum and the Harn Museum
of Art. Discover Florida's diverse ecology and help launch the environmental education CD-ROM produced by the Florida
Defenders of the Environment. The launch features presentations by local artists featured on the CD! Celebrate the Earth
and learn about local conservation efforts and the history of environmentalism.
Museum Nights
Close the Day...Open your Mind. Visit the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art on these special Thursday nights! These events are co-sponsored by University of Florida Student Government. Visit http://www.sg.ufl.edu/SpecialEvents/MuseumNights for a complete schedule.
The Science of Love - Feb. 14, 5 - 9 p.m.
Chocolates and flowers, hot dates and cool evenings...with all the romance in the air, it's hard to believe we're nothing but
mammals! This Valentine's Day, experience the animal side of courtship with delectable desserts and good humor.
Science Movie Night: Gimme Green - Feb. 28, 5 - 9 p.m.
Winner of seven independent film awards, including best documentary at the Phoenix Film festival, Gimme Green investigates
America's thirst for the perfect lawn. Experience this humorous and honest documentary and participate in a group discussion
with the filmmakers. Visit www.gimmegreen.com.
Discovering Africa - March 20, 5 - 9 p.m.
Enjoy African music and dance and celebrate the opening of the Florida Museum's latest temporary exhibit, Inside Africa.
Admission to Inside Africa is FREE for UF Students with their Gator 1 card for this night only.
Can You Dig It? - March 27, 5 - 9 p.m.
Discover the power and beauty of the Earth through hands-on activities like "Oreo tectonics" and geologist-led demonstrations
of volcanic eruptions and other phenomena. From gem-cutting to "magic" rocks, discover the wonders of our planet in this
fun-filled evening of learning and adventure with the UF Geology Department and Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society at
the Florida Museum of Natural History.
A Night in Paradise - April 3, 5 - 9 p.m.
Let the award-winning Butterfly Rainforest transport you to the tropics for the evening. Rainforest admission is FREE
to UF students with their Gator 1 card on this special night only. Open from 5-8 p.m., with last Rainforest admission at
7:30 p.m.
Starry Night - April 17, 5 - 9 p.m.
See what surprises the night sky has to offer when you witness the heavens through the lens of a telescope. Take a tour of the
constellations in the portable planetarium then enjoy presentations and activities, including a puppet show and astro-art with the
University of Florida Astronomy Department and the Alachua Astronomy Club.
Science Sundays
Join the Florida Museum once a month this spring for the Science Sundays series. Lectures are geared for adults and cover an array of topics that are sure to intrigue.
Turn Down the Heat - March 16, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
The media is buzzing about research into alternative fuels, but what are we truly doing to slow global warming? Learn about
the latest work in climate change from UF Ecology professor Steve Mulkey.
Of Ants and Elephants - April 6, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
UF Zoology professor Todd Palmer has returned from East Africa and the verdict is in: size doesn't matter. Learn how the
relationships between ants, acacias and African elephants are vital to maintaining a healthy environment.
Classes
"Let's Explore! Science Series" (grades K-5)
L.E.S.S. is more at the Florida Museum of Natural History! Join the Museum on select Saturdays this spring and learn about
animal tales from Africa. Discover African oral traditions and the animals that inspired these stories. Each class is $18 for
members and $24 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Call (352) 273-2061 for more information.
How Lion and Warthog Became Enemies
Feb. 9, 10 a.m. - noon
How Giraffe Acquired his Long Neck
March 8, 10 a.m. - noon
Why Hippopotamus Lives in the Water
April 26, 10 a.m. - noon
Why Monkeys Choose to Live in Trees
May 10, 10 a.m. - noon
"Wigglers & Walkers" (preschoolers) 3:30 p.m. Feb. 20, March 19 and April 16
Wiggle with pleasure every third Wednesday of the month for child-friendly fun with Museum docents and staff. Join your
preschoolers to learn about Museum exhibits through stories, crafts and other age-appropriate activities. Members: $4 adult/child
pair, non-members: $5, Each additional child: $2. No pre-registration required. Questions? Call (352) 273-2061.
Day Classes "Mysteries of Madagascar" (grades K-5) 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. March 28
Wide-eyed lemurs, color-changing chameleons and jumping rats: Madagascar is home to some of the planet's most unique
animals. Come explore Earth's fourth-largest island. Each class session is $72 for members/ $86 non-members. Students
should dress appropriately for outdoor activities and all students should bring a sack lunch. Pre-registration is required.
Questions? Call (352) 273-2061.
Spring Break Camp (grades K-5) 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1 - 4:30 p.m. April 7-11
AM Camp: Congo Expedition
Explore the Congo rainforest, one of the few remaining homes for gorillas, forest elephants and bonobos. Learn about these
fascinating animals and more in this jungle trek.
PM Camp: Saharan Caravan
Take an imaginative journey across the Sahara with its native peoples and learn about antelopes, cheetahs, scorpions and jackals.
Pre-registration is required. Each camp session is $105 for members/ $130 non-members. A full-day camp registration is $200 for members/ $250 non-members. Students should dress for the weather and outdoor activities. Pick-up for the AM session is 12 - 12:30 p.m. and drop-off for the PM session is 12:30 - 1 p.m. Students staying for the full day should bring a sack lunch to eat during the break between classes.
Home School "Amazing Africa" (ages 7-11) 10 a.m. - noon April 28 & May 5, 12 and 19
Welcome to Africa! Come tour this remarkably diverse continent, investigating unique African cultures and wildlife. During the
weekly sessions, students will visit the Inside Africa traveling exhibit and take part in many hands-on activities. Make sure
you bring your safari hats!
Home School is $72 for members, $86 for non-members. Pre-registration for this four-Monday session is required. Questions? Call (352) 273-2030.
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The Florida Museum of Natural History is Florida's state natural history museum, dedicated to understanding, preserving and interpreting biological diversity and cultural heritage. It is located near the intersection of Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza in Gainesville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Butterfly Rainforest admission is $8.50 for adults ($7.50 Fla. residents) and $4.50 for children ages 3-12. Prices subject to change. For more information, including directions and parking, call (352) 846-2000, or visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu.